Ayaneo's latest mini PC looks like an old-school NES

Back in November, Ayaneo designed this thing to look like an old Macintosh computer, but the inclusion of older AMD APUs wouldn't have won any power awards. now, With a revamped NES-inspired design and an even more impressive chipset. It's also triple the price.

There's no way around it. This is a really nice little computer. The boxy NES-era form factor is a treat and you can even order an 8BitDo SNES-style controller and a gray Nuphy keyboard to go with it, to complete the nostalgia trip. Most of the modern features, like USB-C and HDMI ports, are hidden behind the front cover, though there's a small multi-function touchscreen on top. If you squint, you can almost fool yourself that it's an actual NES.

However, it's within the AM02 that the similarities to Nintendo's 1980s console end. This is a legitimate PC that should offer a significantly more impressive experience compared to the AM01. Each unit comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS APU, which is slightly more powerful than the company's processor. In other words, it should be able to run most modern AAA games at medium settings, or even higher in some cases. The AM01 was, more or less, an emulation machine that faded away after the Gamecube era.

As for relevant specifications, you can equip the AM02 with up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM at launch, but it can be user-upgradable to 64GB. It also comes with up to 1TB of storage, with capacity up to 8TB. There's also a modern cooling system, a USB-C port, a set of USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

There's also the mystery of what the touchscreen will be used for. Ayaneo remains a mother, only showing her as a watch, despite advertising “unique gameplay experiences.” At the very least, it should offer a new way to navigate menus, adjust settings, and choose games. However, a controller or keyboard will likely be more efficient.

Of course, the increase in power comes with an associated increase in cost. Pricing for the AM02 starts at $440 for those who pre-order and $500 for everyone else. This is a basic version without any RAM or storage space, allowing people to set up the computer themselves. Otherwise, prices range from $530 to $770, depending on RAM and storage options. You can buy this thing via Indiegogo, which is typical for Ayaneo, and models ship in February. It doesn't come with any accessories, but you get a discount when you combine it with a controller or keyboard.